Education Matters

Trinity student investigates the links between domestic violence and the mistreatment of animals

Trinity Grammar School student, Carl Coorey-Ewings has managed to pull-off a world first in piloting an education programme that draws on the emerging links between domestic violence and the mistreatment of animals. A Year 12 student at Trinity Grammar School, studying for the International Baccalaureate, he first became aware of the link as part of research required for his Extended Essay – a foundational requirement for the course.

“There is an indisputable link between animal abuse and domestic violence”, says Coorey-Ewings, “Pets are present in 70% of cases where domestic family violence occurs.” It was this realisation that inspired him to put together the pilot of a school awareness programme, assembling a panel of experts to present to students.

Keynote speaker, Dr Lydia Tong, is a forensic veterinarian who has a special interest in the area. “Carl’s is the first education project of its kind in the world.” Pointing out the fact that people who are vulnerable often really treasure the bonds they have with their animals, she freely recognises that abusers can use that bond in order to gain control over their human victims. “If you care for your pet it can be very difficult to get out of an abusive relationship. People stay because they don't want to leave their pets”.

Matt French, RSPCA Community Education Manager, is another enthusiastic supporter. “As a male, I am incredibly proud to be a part of this programme”. His significant experience in the field, retrieving animals from abusive situations has made him conscious of the human story behind every animal. “Quite often the humans behind animal abuse face a range of issues including alcohol and substance abuse”, says French. “The animal can also be used to create leverage on a partner or children.”

Senior Constable Ingrid Reilly is the Domestic Violence Liaison Officer at Marrickville Local Area Command. Having witnessed the patterns of domestic violence first-hand, she categorically supports the research findings. “There are really clear links between animal cruelty and sexual assault, as well as domestic violence”. She highlights the role of the community in bringing these cases to the attention of police, claiming that sometimes video footage can be posted on social media, which, though it might be amusing for some, are in fact crimes of animal cruelty. Her plea is for people to speak up. “Animals have no voice and there are others too scared to speak out. Please be their voice.”

Although only a pilot project, Coorey-Ewings can see this becoming part of the national school curriculum. He is also very aware of the need for men to take the lead in this regard, claiming, “We need to recognise the gendered nature of animal and human violence”.

“Young men can make the change”, says Coorey-Ewings, “and early identification of animal abuse can save the lives of people”.

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